I have had my Remingoton 870 HD for about a year now and have decided its about time for some upgrades. This is the first shotgun I've had so I'm not all that experienced. The features I was considering adding are:

Increased capacity. I was thinking probably a wilson 2 round extension, but I'm open to other suggestions.

Better Sights. I was thinking ghost rings, but I dont know what brand. I'm looking for the cheapest set without sacrificing durabliity. Any suggestions?

Two more things that I'm considering but havn't really decided on are a speedfeed stock. Do these things actually work? Do the rounds stay in while shooting and come out when you want them to? If not the speed feed stock I was looking at some of the mercury recoil reducers I'm always seeing in Brownells. Are they a waste of money? Do they make a noticible difference? Can I install one in my eh stock stock.

Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to offer me. I look forward to any suggestions or comments you have.

The wilson extensions are great,the sights will have to be installed by a smith most likely(theirs some drilling and tapping etc.).I here the wilson sights are real nice also.Or you could a get remington barrel with rifle sights for about 130-150 bucks.itll be alot cheaper than the ghost ring sights(sights alone cost a much as the rem barrel).People tend to like the speed feed stocks but ive heard that the last round likes to fall out while shooting on some of them.Couldnt tell ya about the recoil reducers as ive never used anything but a recoil pad.

Gun must fit YOU, it is an extension of you. Before youy bolt stuff on - get training, lessons, shoot other guns with stuff bolted on. Pattern the gun with pellet loads and shoot for groups with slugs. Each gun has its preference. Then when you find a Defense Load - run a minimum of 200 rds for reliability.

Use light loads for practice - promo dove and quail loads won't recoil as much as defense loads - This allows for learning the PROPER basic concepts of mounting gun to face.

Start with 25 mounting and dryfire Using proper technique - work up to a 100 a day.

Why did I mention all this stuff? It is the shooter - not the shooting iron. ONe cannot buy targets and skill. So with what you have and using the suggestions I gave - try these things first.

There is LOT to be said for a stock SG that is handy and quick to handle and no bolt ons that can go wrong and affect reliability.

If you have the slug barrel on a Rem with the rifle type sights, you can get a set of FIRESIGHTS that have glowing(in daylight) dots on them. Pretty neat and good when there is a dark or undefined background, unlike a white target paper. They are not expensive and are made for the Rem among others. Or you can get tritium night sights for some models of shotguns, if the potential use of the gun can justify the rather expensive little things. Check out a Brownells catalog for a good selection of Remington shotgun goodies.

Definately, add the mag extension. Get a sling if you do not have one already. Recommended sights are the Wilson Combat TrakLok and Sage International sights. I like the Side Saddle better than the Speedfeed stock.

Mag extensions, speedfeed stocks, sidesaddles, etc. will add weight. If you have the HD with the factory mag extension you already have 7rd. Each additional round is going to add 2-3ozs to the weight you are carrying - just food for thought. A sling is a good addon IMHO, John Masen has 11/4" and 1" 'silent sling' types for under $3.00 each. I have the 11/4 on my HD with Uncle Mikes QD's, works and carries nice. Again IMHO I would stay away from the slings with the shell loops as they will swing with a lot of momentum from the weight of the shells just when you don't need the movement.

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